A commercial HVAC system provides clean air and creates a comfortable environment for your employees and clients. However, this unit accounts for the highest energy consumption in a building. Balancing the cooling and heating requirements with manageable utility bills can be a challenge for any business owner. Luckily, you can make a few adjustments and improvements to your unit to ensure that it runs efficiently. Try out the tips below to save money with your commercial HVAC unit.
1. Set Temperature Zones
Not every room in your commercial building requires the same level of comfort. Therefore, it’s a good idea that you create zones in the building using designated thermostats. You will avoid wasting energy on heating or cooling spaces like the garage and storage rooms. If you have unoccupied rooms in the building, you can set them to remain warmer in summer and cooler in the winter. Since you aren’t trying to heat the entire building, it prevents unnecessary energy use. This way, you will save a significant amount of money in the long run.
2. Change the Air Filters Regularly
Air filters trap dust particles, pet dander, pollen, spores, and other contaminants from the indoor air. With time, such pollutants can accumulate on the filter, limiting airflow. The HVAC unit will begin to work extra hard to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in high power use. If you continue to use the unit at this stage, you are more likely to damage vital components, which adds up repair and replacement costs. The easiest way to maintain your commercial HVAC system efficiency is by often changing or cleaning the air filters.
3. Make Repairs Promptly
Once you spot issues with your HVAC unit, call a professional immediately for repairs. Pay attention to uneven heating or cooling, strange noises, and odors from your unit. The longer you wait, the worse the impacts. Note that all components in the system work in coordination, and if one part fails, it affects the functionality of the other elements. Running your commercial HVAC unit while it has an existing problem increases the chances of creating irreversible damage. Also, once the HVAC unit develops a problem, it loses its efficiency. The unit begins to use up more power which results in high utility bills. Prompt HVAC repairs prevent inconveniencing breakdowns and keep your commercial HVAC system running for a more extended period.
4. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
The technology in programmable and smart thermostats enables you to control and monitor your HVAC system use. With the programmable, you can create a cooling or heating schedule for the building. Set the thermostat to cool or heat certain rooms at specific times of the day to avoid wasting energy when nobody is in the building. You should program the HVAC system to warm or cool the rooms before working hours and shut off when the staff leaves the facility. On the other hand, for the smart thermostat, you can connect it with Wi-Fi to control the building’s temperature remotely. The digital thermostat also allows you to track your energy use so you can make the necessary adjustments.
5. Invest in Advanced Equipment
If you have an outdated HVAC unit in your building, investing in a new model will help you save a considerable amount in the future. HVACs lose their efficiency with age. They begin to use up more energy and require constant maintenance. Look at the repair patterns of your unit, and if the repair cost is over half the price of a new system, it’s a good idea that you consider buying a more efficient HVAC system. Although the upfront cost seems relatively higher, it will save you on energy bills and replacement costs in the future. Modern units are even more energy-efficient, and they have more advanced technology that improves their functionality.
6. Improve the Insulation
Properly insulating your commercial building will help prevent energy loss which translates to more savings. Note that leaks at the walls, windows, and floors can allow conditioned air to seep out. The HVAC unit will work extra hard to meet the cooling and heating demands. This results in frequent breakdowns, higher utility bills, and lower comfort levels. Improving your insulation will prevent heat from escaping the building during winter or seeping in during summer. Therefore, you won’t need to run the HVAC system for long, which cuts energy costs. Have a professional insulate the ducts, too, or opt for a ductless system.
7. Purchase the Right Sized Unit
Make sure that you have the correct size HVAC unit for your commercial building. If you choose an excessively smaller unit, it will struggle to heat or cool the building. The system will constantly run to maintain comfortable conditions. This results in excessive wear and tear, calling for frequent repairs and replacements. Continually running your HVAC system shortens its lifespan and drives your energy bills higher. An oversized HVAC system also results in increased energy consumption. Due to the excess capacity, the unit will cool or heat your house faster. This results in temperature swings that prompt it to start and shut down often. The motors draw more energy to kick start, which results in higher usage. Also, the short cycles increase the wear rate. An oversized HVAC system doesn’t run long enough to dehumidify the house. To avoid such issues, have a professional size of your commercial HVAC unit based on the building’s square footage, the number of occupants, the climatic conditions in your region, and the windows’ position. This way, you will avoid spending money on the wrong unit or incurring high operational costs.
8. Schedule Periodic Maintenance
Another great way to keep your commercial HVAC unit operating at maximum capacity is scheduling preventive maintenance. During tune-ups, the technician can spot damaged parts, repair, or replace them before they begin straining your unit. They also lubricate moving parts to ensure that they run smoothly. This will help prevent costly repairs in the future. An optimized system also uses less energy to cool and heat the house. Once you sign up for maintenance, the technician will keep all the components functioning optimally, and your unit will remain reliable throughout its lifespan. Additionally, you will avoid downtime and complaints from clients, which results in more potential savings.
Need Help in Maintaining an Efficient Commercial HVAC Unit? Consult the Experts
Although the commercial HVAC system is a substantial investment when well cared for, you can reduce energy waste and lower operational costs. By following the above tips, you should run your unit efficiently and save on repairs and energy costs in the long. Ensure that you conduct energy audits often and if you notice a spike in energy consumption or notice seasonal trends, consult a professional. They will help diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution.
If you are looking for a reliable company to restore your commercial HVAC unit’s efficiency, get in touch with Beyer Mechanical. We offer commercial heating and cooling solutions in San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas. Our company also deals with HVAC construction, in-house engineering, and design builds. Visit our website or call us today to request our services.
